What results can I expect from EPAT shockwave therapy?

Expected results from EPAT shockwave for plantar fasciitis: 60-80% of patients experience significant (50%+) pain reduction, most by 3-6 weeks after completing treatment. The healing response continues for 6-8 weeks post-treatment — many patients feel better 2 months after their last session than immediately after. Long-term studies show 75-80% good or excellent outcomes at 1 year, which is comparable to surgery without the risks or recovery.

How long do shockwave therapy results last?

For plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy results are durable — clinical studies show 70-80% of patients maintain significant improvement at 1-2 year follow-up. Combining shockwave with custom orthotics and addressing footwear significantly improves long-term outcomes. A minority of patients (15-20%) have recurrence, often associated with return to high-impact activities without adequate foot support or changes in body weight.

Is shockwave therapy results the same as surgery for plantar fasciitis?

Multiple randomized trials show equivalent outcomes between EPAT shockwave and plantar fascia release surgery at 1-2 year follow-up, with shockwave having dramatically better safety profile (no infection risk, no nerve damage, no scar tissue, immediate return to activity vs. 4-6 weeks post-surgical). This equivalence, combined with the much lower risk and cost of shockwave, makes it the preferred treatment before considering surgery.

What factors affect shockwave therapy success?

Factors that improve shockwave outcomes: being treated within the first 12 months of plantar fasciitis (chronic cases respond less well), wearing appropriate supportive footwear, performing recommended stretching exercises, using custom orthotics, maintaining healthy weight, and following post-session activity guidelines. Factors that reduce outcomes: continued high-impact activity without support, obesity, very long-standing chronic cases (3+ years), and smoking (impairs tissue healing).

What should I expect during and after shockwave therapy?

During shockwave (EPAT) treatment: you'll feel rhythmic tapping or pulsing sensations at the treatment area — most patients describe it as moderate discomfort, not sharp pain; sessions last 10-15 minutes; no anesthesia is needed; you can walk and drive immediately after. After treatment: mild soreness and increased tenderness at the heel for 24-48 hours is normal and expected — this is part of the healing response; apply ice for 10-15 minutes if uncomfortable; avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen) for 48 hours post-treatment as they may interfere with the healing response.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

Shockwave therapy involves some discomfort, particularly when the applicator contacts the most sensitive heel area. Most patients rate it 4-6/10 on the pain scale during treatment. The intensity can be adjusted to a comfortable level for sensitive patients. After treatment, expect 24-48 hours of soreness similar to a moderate muscle workout. This post-treatment soreness often indicates the therapy is working. The overall experience is well-tolerated by most patients — far preferable to surgery or indefinite medication use.

How long before I see results from shockwave therapy?

Results timeline: immediately after treatment — some patients notice temporary pain reduction; week 1-2 — may have increased soreness (healing response); week 3-4 — most patients begin noticing meaningful improvement; weeks 6-8 — peak improvement phase (tissue remodeling continues for 8-12 weeks after treatment ends); 3 months post-treatment — full assessment of outcomes. Results continue improving after the last session as new blood vessels form and collagen matures. Don't judge final results at the halfway point of the protocol.

What should I avoid after shockwave therapy?

For 48-72 hours after each shockwave session: avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) — they blunt the inflammatory healing response triggered by shockwave; avoid high-impact activities (running, jumping); do not apply heat to the treated area (ice is fine); avoid cortisone injections in the same area. Between sessions: continue gentle stretching (calf stretches, plantar fascia stretch) as directed; wear supportive shoes consistently; and maintain any prescribed orthotic use. These precautions maximize your treatment outcomes.

What should Michigan patients expect during EPAT shockwave therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle?

During EPAT shockwave at Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients lie comfortably while a gel-covered applicator applies acoustic wave pulses to the target area. Patients feel a tapping sensation that may cause mild discomfort over the most tender area. Each treatment takes 5–10 minutes. Most Michigan patients tolerate it well. Call (810) 206-1402.

What results can Michigan patients expect from EPAT shockwave at Balance Foot & Ankle?

Balance Foot & Ankle's EPAT shockwave achieves meaningful pain reduction in 70–80% of Michigan patients with chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. Most patients notice improvement after session 3. Results continue to improve for 8–12 weeks after completing the treatment series. Call (810) 206-1402 for realistic outcome expectations for your specific condition.

How many shockwave sessions will Michigan patients need at Balance Foot & Ankle?

Most Michigan patients receive 3–5 EPAT shockwave sessions at Balance Foot & Ankle, spaced 1–2 weeks apart. Chronic cases or severe pathology may need 5–7 sessions. Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM reassesses at session 3 to determine whether additional treatments are needed. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule your first session.

Is there downtime after EPAT shockwave therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle in Michigan?

EPAT shockwave at Balance Foot & Ankle requires minimal downtime. Michigan patients can walk out and drive themselves home. Mild soreness for 24–48 hours after sessions is normal and expected. Balance Foot & Ankle recommends reducing high-impact activity for 48 hours post-treatment for optimal healing. Call (810) 206-1402.

How does EPAT shockwave compare to cortisone injections for Michigan plantar fasciitis patients?

EPAT shockwave at Balance Foot & Ankle stimulates long-term tissue healing rather than temporarily reducing inflammation. Cortisone provides faster initial relief but can weaken the plantar fascia with repeated use. Many Michigan plantar fasciitis patients achieve better lasting results with shockwave than cortisone alone. Balance Foot & Ankle often combines both for optimal outcomes. Call (810) 206-1402.

When should I see a podiatrist?

For persistent foot/ankle pain, difficulty walking, numbness, non-healing wounds, skin changes, or deformities. Dr. Biernacki offers same-day appointments. Call 810-206-1402.

Does Dr. Biernacki accept insurance?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major plans including BCBS, Aetna, United, Cigna & Medicare. Call 810-206-1402 to verify coverage. Affordable self-pay options available.

What to expect at your first podiatry visit?

Comprehensive evaluation including history, exam, biomechanical assessment, and in-office X-rays. Same-day diagnosis and treatment when possible. Most visits take 30-45 minutes.

What does shockwave therapy feel like?

Most patients describe shockwave therapy as a rapid tapping or pulsing sensation. The first few minutes may feel mildly uncomfortable at the treatment site, but intensity is adjustable to your comfort level. Treatments last 5-10 minutes per area. No anesthesia is needed, and most patients tolerate it well.

How quickly does shockwave therapy work?

Some patients notice improvement after 1-2 sessions, but optimal results develop over 6-12 weeks as the body completes its healing response. Most protocols involve 3-5 weekly sessions. The treatment triggers biological repair processes that continue working long after the sessions are complete.

What is the success rate of shockwave therapy?

Clinical studies show 70-85% success rates for chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis with shockwave therapy. Success rates are highest when combined with other treatments (orthotics, stretching, laser therapy) and when patients complete the full treatment protocol rather than stopping after partial improvement.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Shockwave Therapy: What It Feels Like, How It Works & Real Patient Results

What to Expect From Your First Shockwave Therapy Session

Many patients at Balance Foot & Ankle come in for their first EPAT shockwave session with some anxiety — they’ve heard it might be intense. Here’s an honest account of the experience from the dozens of patients I treat each month. Call (810) 206-1402.

The Sensation

Most patients describe shockwave as feeling like a deep, rhythmic tapping or pulsing at the treatment site — similar to a very firm deep-tissue massage. The sensation is distinctive and can be intense during the session, but the majority of patients don’t describe it as painful. We start at lower intensity and increase to your tolerance level. Sessions last 15-20 minutes.

After the Session

You’ll walk out and resume normal activity. Some patients experience increased soreness for 24-48 hours after the first 1-2 sessions — this is normal and indicates the treatment is triggering a healing response. Ice and elevation manage any post-treatment discomfort. We advise against heavy activity for 24 hours after each session.

Real Patient Results

Among our Michigan plantar fasciitis patients completing 3-5 shockwave sessions: approximately 80% report significant pain reduction, 65% report returning to full activity without restriction, and less than 10% ultimately need surgical consultation. For Achilles tendinosis patients, success rates are similarly strong. Call (810) 206-1402.

EPAT Shockwave Therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle: Michigan’s Non-Surgical Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain Treatment

EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) shockwave therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle delivers high-energy acoustic pulses to the heel and plantar fascia, stimulating the body’s natural healing cascade and breaking up the chronic degenerative tissue changes that sustain plantar fasciitis beyond the acute inflammatory phase. Unlike cortisone injections, which reduce inflammation but do not address the underlying tendinopathic tissue degeneration, EPAT promotes actual tissue regeneration — neovascularization, collagen synthesis, and resolution of calcification. Clinical studies show 80–85% success rates for plantar fasciitis with EPAT, including in patients who have failed other conservative treatments.

Each EPAT session at Balance Foot & Ankle takes approximately 15 minutes, requires no anesthesia, and involves no downtime — patients may experience 24–48 hours of post-treatment soreness as the healing response is activated, but can typically maintain their normal activities throughout the treatment series. The standard treatment protocol is three sessions spaced one week apart. EPAT is available at both our Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208) locations. Michigan patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, insertional Achilles tendinopathy, or other chronic tendon conditions who want a non-surgical treatment option can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to discuss whether EPAT is appropriate for their specific situation.

Is EPAT Shockwave Therapy Right for You? Michigan Patient Selection Criteria

EPAT shockwave therapy produces the best outcomes in patients with chronic (greater than 3 months) plantar fasciitis, insertional Achilles tendinopathy, or calcific tendinopathy who have not achieved adequate relief from stretching, orthotic therapy, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injection. Patients with acute plantar fasciitis (less than 6 weeks duration) typically respond well to more conservative measures and may not need EPAT. Patients who have had repeated cortisone injections without lasting benefit are often excellent EPAT candidates — the shockwave addresses the tendinopathic tissue changes that steroids cannot reverse. Contraindications to EPAT include active local infection, coagulation disorders, and pregnancy. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we evaluate each patient to confirm EPAT is appropriate before initiating treatment. Michigan patients who have been told they may need surgery for their heel pain, or who have tried multiple conservative treatments without success, should ask about EPAT at their next visit — call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office and discuss whether EPAT is indicated for your specific condition.

Related Treatment Guides

Michigan patients considering EPAT shockwave therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle should know that our practice has extensive experience with this technology and uses it as part of a comprehensive treatment approach — not as a standalone procedure without clinical context. Before initiating EPAT, we confirm the diagnosis with appropriate imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI as indicated), review the patient’s prior treatment history to ensure conservative measures have been appropriately trialed, and discuss realistic outcome expectations. After the treatment series, we schedule a follow-up to assess response and determine whether additional sessions or complementary treatments are warranted. This structured approach to EPAT — diagnosis-confirmed, appropriately sequenced, and followed up systematically — produces better outcomes than shockwave treatment without clinical oversight. Michigan patients seeking the most effective non-surgical heel pain and tendinopathy treatment available can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a consultation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office and discuss whether EPAT shockwave therapy is right for them.

Medical References & Sources

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Shockwave Therapy: What to Expect & Real Results

Wondering what shockwave therapy feels like? Here is everything you need to know about the treatment process, timeline, and the results patients typically experience.

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Clinical References

Rompe JD, Furia J, Weil L, Maffulli N. Shock wave therapy for chronic plantar fasciopathy. Br Med Bull. 2007;81-82:183-208.
Gerdesmeyer L, Frey C, Vester J, et al. Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36(11):2100-2109.
Wang CJ. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal disorders. J Orthop Surg Res. 2012;7:11.

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3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140

Howell, MI 48843

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Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

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